Third downs were key in first meeting

One stat from the Ravens’ 29-14 victory over the Houston Texans on Oct. 16 that doesn’t get discussed often was both teams’ inefficiency on third downs.

The Ravens converted just three of 11 third downs, producing a 27.3 percent success rate that was their second lowest of the season. The offense went just 1-for-6 on third downs in the second half.

Only two of those 11 third downs involved gaining fewer than 4 yards for first downs, and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said the team has tried to address any breakdowns on third downs.

“We have to continue to play the way we have been playing,” he said Thursday. “I think it was really more about their defense. They’ve got a quality defense. I think you guys know that. They’ve got good players -- really good players. We’ll have to execute. We’ll have to execute the way we’ve been executing the last, probably, six to eight weeks. That will be the important thing. They do an outstanding job rushing the passer. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, but obviously, we need to do a better job.”

Houston was only slightly better. After converting five of 10 opportunities in the first half, the Texans went just 1-for-6 in the second half. Coach Gary Kubiak said the offense can’t afford a similar showing in Sunday’s AFC divisional playoff game.

“Third downs control the game defensively and offensively,” he said. “Just like last week, we were poor in the first half and losing the time of possession. The second half, we were excellent and winning the time of possession, so that’s big every week that you play.”